Ferrero extends Kinder recall and suspends operations at Belgium plant

Ferrero’s Kinder Surprise recall is widening. After batches of Ferrero’s seasonal treats were recalled in at least 11 countries last week following a salmonella outbreak, Belgian health authorities have ordered the brand to suspend production at its Arlon plant in the nation’s south.

More than 100 confirmed cases of salmonella have now been linked to the factory, which contributes to more than 7 per cent of global Kinder product production.

In Australia, the company previously described recalls as ‘precautionary measure’ and acknowledged that internal inefficiencies had contributed to the delay in retrieving and sharing of information.

However, in a statement issued on Saturday, Ferrero said the entire production of Kinder Surprise, Kinder Mini Eggs, Kinder Surprise Maxi 100g and Kinder Schokobons made in Arlon is being recalled.

Seasonal products impacted by the recall in Australia and New Zealand include:

Kinder Easter Basket 120g (yellow foil wrapper)
Kinder Mini Eggs Hazelnut (all pack sizes)
Kinder Surprise Maxi 100g (Miraculous)
Kinder Surprise Maxi 100g (Natoons)
Kinder Surprise Xmas Maxi 100g (Disney Frozen 2021)
Kinder Surprise Xmas Maxi 100g (2021)
Kinder Maxi Xmas Mix with Plush 133g (2021)
Kinder Xmas Happy Moments Ballotin 190g (2021)

Christmas seasonal lines are now past or nearing their best before and thus are unlikely to be available for purchase but may still be in some households.

The Kinder Surprise 20g single and three-pack eggs in white, blue and pink varieties sold in Australia and New Zealand are manufactured in Italy and are not affected. No other Ferrero products – including other Kinder products – are affected by this recall.

“Food safety, quality and consumer care have been at the heart of Ferrero since the company was founded. This serious event goes to the core of what we stand for and we will take every step necessary to preserve the full trust and confidence of our consumers,” said a statement.